Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Church

Dear Friends,

The recent publication of the grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in six dioceses in Pennsylvania along with the resignation of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick have inaugurated another phase in the sexual abuse crisis in our Church.  We struggle to understand how priests and bishops could abuse children, minors and young adults entrusted to their care.
We remain mystified how so many bishops could do so little to protect these innocent victims and then do so much to hide the sins and crimes of predators without ever being held accountable.  Our anger, sadness and distress are shared by so many active and inactive Catholics.   Praying for victims of abuse first and foremost, we also pray for one another as we chart our way through these pain-filled and challenging times.

Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministries released two videos this week to help us understand better the crisis we face and what we as members of the Church are called to do in response.  Please take some time to look at these videos.  Share them with family and friends.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will cleanse and strengthen our Church, and I remain grateful for the faith and hope of so many parishioners even in such difficult times.

Msgr. Mike

 

Click here to visit the Sexual Abuse Crisis page on the Parish Website for resources and reflections.